Rippling vs ADP: In-depth Comparison for 2026
Compare features, pricing, and capabilities side-by-side. I've analyzed both EOR providers to help you make the right decision for your global hiring needs.
Robbin Schuchmann
Co-founder, Employ Borderless
Rippling vs ADP: quick comparison
Short on time? Here are the key differences between Rippling and ADP at a glance.
 | | |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | $499/per employee/month | — |
| Contractor pricing | $35/per employee/month | — |
| Payroll pricing | $35/per employee/month | $79/per employee/month |
| Overall rating | 9.0/10 | — |
| Countries | 53+ | 3+ |
| Visit site | Visit site |
EOR pricing
$499/per employee/month
Contractor pricing
$35/per employee/month
Payroll pricing
$35/per employee/month
Overall rating
9.0/10
Countries
53+
EOR pricing
—
Contractor pricing
—
Payroll pricing
$79/per employee/month
Overall rating
—
Countries
3+
Let me be honest: choosing between Rippling and ADP for workforce management is trickier than most comparison articles make it seem. You’ll find plenty of feature lists, but what really matters is their fundamental difference – Rippling offers modern unified HR/IT/Finance platform starting at $8 PEPM, while ADP provides legacy payroll expertise with 70+ years experience at enterprise pricing.
I keep seeing the same pattern: businesses compare these because both handle payroll and HR, then realize they needed either Rippling’s integration capabilities or ADP’s payroll depth. Rippling built its reputation on unifying HR, IT device management, and Finance with 500+ integrations, while ADP positioned itself around payroll processing excellence with decades of established expertise. Both work, but they serve different operational priorities.
The real decision comes down to integration versus payroll depth: Rippling works best when you need unified operations with HR/IT/Finance integration starting at $8 PEPM, while ADP delivers better results for companies prioritizing payroll processing expertise with established reliability. Your operational scope will determine which fits better.
My goal is to help you decide if Rippling’s unified platform suits your needs, or if ADP’s payroll expertise better serves companies prioritizing processing reliability.
Editorial note: By using our partner links, you'll get exclusive discounts and the best available offers we've negotiated while also supporting our efforts to provide unbiased comparisons of global hiring solutions.
What is Rippling?
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that connects HR, IT, and finance functions through a unified employee database. Companies use it to manage payroll, benefits, devices, and software from one system.
Parker Conrad (former Zenefits CEO) and Prasanna Sankar founded the company in 2016. Rippling now supports businesses operating in more than 50 countries.
How Rippling works
The platform automates workflows across business systems that normally operate separately.
When I tested Rippling, the onboarding caught my attention because it was so efficient. For example, adding someone to payroll triggered their laptop order, email setup, and software provisioning right away.
There are no (or fewer) manual steps since one employee database feeds all systems at once.
What it means for clients: It means automating tasks that normally require switching between multiple tools.
Who uses Rippling
Rippling works best for medium-sized technology and growing businesses with members across the world.
These companies need advanced systems but lack enterprise-level IT departments. The Rippling platform provides just that: enterprise-grade tools without massive IT investments.
What it means for clients: Companies automate work that normally requires multiple tools and manual coordination.
| Founded | 2016 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco |
| CEO | Parker Conrad |
| Employees | 10001+ |
| Total funding | $1.4B |
What is ADP?
ADP's Employer of Record service combines decades of payroll experience with modern global employment solutions.
| Founded | 1949 |
| Headquarters | Roseland |
What are the key features of Rippling vs ADP?
When you're choosing between EOR providers, it comes down to what each one actually does for you. Some focus on payroll processing, others specialize in compliance management, and some offer better employee benefits. Here's what sets these two apart.
Rippling key features
Rippling's EOR service allows companies to hire in 80+ countries without legal entities. The platform manages all contracts, tax registrations, and compliance. International and domestic employees are managed in the same system.
One database serves as the centralized source. When information changes anywhere, all connected systems update automatically (this reduces clerical mistakes).
The platform manages device procurement, configuration, and security. Equipment gets ordered based on role templates, and software pre-installs before devices reach employees.
Rippling processes payments for domestic and international employees, contractors, and part-time workers through one interface. The system calculates taxes and deductions based on location, and reports segment costs by department or project.
The platform goes beyond basic admin/user roles. Clients can create custom access profiles based on department, seniority, or location.
What benefits do Rippling and ADP offer?
Features are one thing, but how do they actually help your business? Think faster onboarding, fewer compliance headaches, and smoother payroll runs. Here are the real benefits you'll get from each provider.
Rippling benefits
Less admin work
The platform connects systems that normally operate separately. I’ve seen companies report 60-80% time savings after switching to Rippling.
Faster onboarding
New hires can start working much quicker (typically in days). The platform configures accounts, orders equipment, and sets up payroll at the same time.
Reliable compliance
Rippling applies regulations based on worker location automatically. The system then tracks changing requirements and updates rules without manual work.
Stronger security
Rippling’s integrated IT management keeps security consistent across employees and devices. It controls who gets access, enforces password rules, and handles encryption in the background.
Fewer errors
The platform automatically syncs data across systems, so there’s less room for errors that come with the human factor.
Better employee experience
Employees manage their own pay stubs and tax forms through self-service. There’s less back-and-forth with HR, and that saves everyone time.
How do Rippling and ADP compare on pricing?
Let's talk money. EOR pricing can be tricky - some providers quote low monthly fees but charge extra for setup, onboarding, or additional services. Here's what each provider charges for their main services.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Employer of record | $499/per employee/month | — |
| Contractor management | $35/per employee/month | — |
| Global payroll | $35/per employee/month | $79/per employee/month |
Not sure which is right for you?
Tell me about your team and I'll give you a free, unbiased recommendation.
What are the pros and cons of Rippling vs ADP?
No EOR provider is perfect - they all have their sweet spots and pain points. Getting honest about what works and what doesn't will save you from unpleasant surprises down the road. Here's the real talk on both providers.
Rippling
- +
System integration
Rippling connects HR, IT, and finance in one platform. This removes the disconnected data that comes from using separate tools.
- +
Strong automation
Rippling reduces manual workload by automating HR processes from hiring to offboarding across all connected systems and countries.
- +
Device management
Rippling handles laptop ordering, software installation, and security for remote teams. Most EOR providers don't offer this.
- +
App integrations
Rippling connects with 500+ business applications. This creates a more unified workspace than most competitors.
- +
Custom workflows
Companies can build approval chains that match their structure.
- −
Unclear pricing
Rippling's modular pricing makes total costs hard to predict without direct quotes. Each service component adds to the base fee.
- −
Lengthy setup and steep learning curve
Setup takes longer compared to similar tools because of the many functions. HR teams coming from simpler tools face a bigger adjustment.
- −
Inconsistent support
Response times change based on issue type and plan level. Some users wait several days for a resolution.
ADP
What do customers say about Rippling vs ADP?
Don't just take my word for it. Here's what actual users say about working with these providers on major review platforms.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.8 11,614 reviews | 3.9 237 reviews |
| Trustpilot | 4.6 1,713 reviews | — |
| Capterra | 4.9 4,321 reviews | 4.2 237 reviews |
| Glassdoor | 3.8 1,003 reviews | — |
Ratings sourced directly from each platform. Last updated February 2026.
Customer support: Rippling vs ADP
When things go wrong (and they will), you want to know someone's got your back. Great support can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a major disaster. Here's how these providers handle support.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Support availability | Business Hours | — |
| Dedicated account manager | No | — |
| Self-service resources | No | — |
| Community forum | No | — |
How do Rippling and ADP compare on our ratings?
I've scored both providers across 10 categories based on hands-on testing, user feedback, and independent research. Here's how they stack up.
Features
Country coverage
Pricing
User experience
Customer support
Integrations
Mobile app
Analytics & reporting
Security
Compliance
Third-party ratings average
Complete comparison table
Every detail that matters when choosing an EOR provider. Compare pricing, features, country coverage, and support options in one easy-to-scan table.
| Feature |  Rippling | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| EOR pricing | From $499/mo | — |
| Countries | 53+ | 3+ |
| Overall rating | 9.0/10 | — |
| Mobile app | ||
| API available | ||
| Webhook support | ||
| Dedicated account manager | ||
| Self-service resources | ||
| Community forum |
Which provider should you choose?
Different companies have different needs. Your team size, budget, and where you're hiring all play a role in which provider will work best for you. Here's how to pick the right fit.
Choose Rippling if:
Choose Rippling if you need unified HR/IT/Finance operations with modern automation. Best for:
- Growing companies (100-1,000+ employees) needing integrated HR, IT device management, and Finance
- Tech companies requiring automated IT provisioning with 500+ integrations
- Organizations wanting modern platforms with advanced workflow automation
- Businesses needing comprehensive employee lifecycle management in one system
- Companies comfortable with cloud-first approach and 1-3 month implementation
Rippling’s unified platform and integration capabilities work well for companies prioritizing operational consolidation. If you need HR/IT/Finance integration, Rippling provides solutions starting at $8 PEPM.
Choose ADP if:
Choose ADP if you prioritize payroll processing depth and established reliability. Best for:
- Large enterprises (1,000-10,000+ employees) requiring deep payroll expertise
- Organizations in complex industries needing proven compliance capabilities
- Companies prioritizing payroll processing reliability over modern integrations
- Businesses requiring dedicated support and established track record
- Enterprises comfortable with traditional HR systems and enterprise pricing
ADP’s payroll expertise and 70+ years experience work well for companies prioritizing processing depth. If you need established payroll reliability, ADP provides enterprise solutions with custom pricing.
When to consider alternatives
Sometimes neither option is quite right. Maybe you need rock-bottom pricing, enterprise-level features, or coverage in a specific country these providers don't serve well. Here are some other EOR providers worth checking out.
Remote
Companies who want strong protection of intellectual property (IP) and legal risk coverage when hiring internationally
Read review
Deel
Growing companies scaling internationally with a mix of contractors and full-time employees
Read review
Hire With Columbus
Budget-conscious companies needing affordable EOR services across many countries, especially those hiring 5+ international employees where cost savings compound significantly
Read reviewNot sure which is right for you? Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, both Rippling and ADP offer international payroll services. Rippling supports payroll in 185+ countries, while ADP covers 140+ countries. Rippling’s approach is more integrated, while ADP might require additional modules or services for comprehensive global workforce management.
Rippling offers over 500 integrations, while ADP provides 300+ integrations through its ADP Marketplace. Rippling’s integrations are often more deeply embedded into its unified platform, while ADP’s integrations may sometimes feel more like separate add-ons.
Both platforms offer strong reporting features, but they differ in focus. Rippling provides more comprehensive analytics that can combine data from HR, IT, and finance. ADP offers robust payroll and HR reporting with benchmarking capabilities through its DataCloud feature.
ADP offers 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and chat for all customers. Rippling provides email and chat support as standard, with phone support as an add-on. Some users report that ADP’s support is more comprehensive, especially for complex payroll issues.
Small businesses can use both platforms, but they have different strengths. Rippling’s modern, integrated approach might appeal more to tech-savvy small businesses, especially those planning for rapid growth. ADP offers specific small business solutions that might suit traditional small businesses, prioritizing core payroll and basic HR functions.
Rippling offers built-in IT asset and application management as part of its unified platform, allowing businesses to manage devices, software licenses, and access controls alongside HR functions. ADP does not offer native IT asset management features but focuses on core HR and payroll functions.
Still not sure?
Get a free, personalized recommendation based on your team size, budget, and hiring countries.